Bee BLOG

Last Tuesday, March 22nd, a special cocktail-benefit was held at les Grands Ballets Canadiens studios. It was an evening that was organized and planned by the dancers and crew of les GBC having for objective to tease us with their self-made performances...man did that work!

Standing there among the dancing stars, I was immediately captivated by the scene that was unfolding in front of me: two dancers, Anya Nesvitaylo and Leigh Alderson clasped to one another, moving as one and perfectly with the music. In a heart beat, other dancers filled the floor to create a unison effect with the couple.

Connecting with the dancer's moves and minds...

While the other teaser performances went on, we were so few and so close that we could hear every squeak, every breath and see all of the muscles contract. What a difference between sitting in front of a huge stage among hundreds of people and being there, only a few meters away. No settings but that of the studio, a few chairs and the music. Stripped of any decorative distractions, the performances were organic and authentic. I could see the dancers' facial expressions and felt the emotions. This immersive workshop experience made its way to everyone's heart. The choreographers and dancers took us with them as they danced. Another special element that definitely took dancing to another level was the fact that some of the pieces had voicing...What do I mean by that? Aaahhh! You'll have to check out the workshop À Suivrefor yourselves bee readers!

Speaking with the choreographers

Sam, Éline, Sahra, myself, Renata & Jean-Sébastien

After the demonstrations were done, the floor was open for us to ask any questions we wanted to the creators/choreographers. I asked two questions, one being A) How many hours of practice for each choreography? Is there a particular number they like to hit? "As many as possible!" one of them said. As if they don't dance enough as it is, these choreographies demand even more time of their busy schedules. So after a full day of rehearsals, they have to squeeze another few hours for these creations and practice some more. My second questions was B) What was the inspiration behind one of the last pieces?Troy Herring answered that the piece is really meant for us to feel whatever moves us, it's left for us to interpret and for it to express what we are feeling. He and Corwin Barnette were hilarious in explaining their teaming together to create choreographies. They mentioned how they actually complete one another quite well as they both in poses diversified working styles: one being more structured and logical while the other more impulsive and "far out there". Brought together, they seem to be the Lennon and McCartney in translating their ideas and bring their choreography making to the stage.

Hanging out with the kindest dancers in Montreal!

The tasty cupcakes!

Soon after, the cocktail-benefit began in the room next door, giving us a chance to hang out with the dancers. I got a chance to see the bubbly Mahomi and discuss with Troy and Corwin more personally. Artistic photos of the choreographers hung on a wall and multiple tables adorned with delicious goodies from sponsoring companies welcomed us. Yummy Sangria, that Sahra was elegantly serving, a selection of white and red wine, cheeses, tiny boxed popcorn, personalized tiny GBC cupcakes and last but not least, there was a table of assortments of pies provided by Ta Pies. Renata and her fiancé Steve introduced me to these palate pleasing pies, mentioning that a taste of these famous pies would change my world. They did, they truly did ;)

I also got the opportunity to meet Éline Malègue and Rubén Julliard, two wonderful choreographers who, in a few minutes passionately shared about their dancing realities and took the time to answer my questions. This was the real treat: to hang out and discuss with GBC dancers and meeting individuals from all over the world. The ambiance was one of kindness and genuine appreciation from everyone in the room. The crowd was happy, talking and laughing; everyone mixing and having a good time, me the most! All this just begs the question: Imagine how spectacular and breath taking the Choreography Workshop À Suivre will be next week? ....well, à suivre!

March Madness. Every year, the month of March seems to bring significant changes in my life. Deaths, births, challenges at work, new stimulating projects, life decisions, etc. Good or bad, March always serves me a nice platter of change. This year was no exception. For the past few weeks, I have been focusing my efforts on dealing with the ending of a particular chapter in our life, Philippe and I. It is quite a positive change for us but also, an emotionally charged one: that of his childhood home being sold two years after his mother's passing. A home that meant the world to him. Packing up, I was overwhelmed by the memories while at the same time, breathing sighs of relief as we were leaving the house to focus on our own lives and also, as we were leaving the house in the care of a new loving family. One who fell in love with it and who will treat it as well and do it justice as Philippe did.

Walking back home from work one evening, I caught myself thinking of this bitter sweet transition that was hovering over me and a poem started to write itself in my head. What a great idea, I thought, to bid the home a proper farewell as it liberates Phil and I to new adventures.​

The house on Westcroft Hill

The house that sits on top of Westcroft hillThough now empty, shines for you stillAnd as I look into your green eyesI can almost see the memories rise

The home that saw you first as boysThat held the space for all your toysA shelter to you and all your dreamsTwas many moons ago or so it seems

The front door that was never lockedLike the comforting pier where everyone dockedWelcomed many at any hour of the nightFriends dropping by for a fresh muffin bite

The basement is now lonely and awaiting its guestsFor what new generation will greet its new nest?The sturdy furnace, for now, at your serviceStill adjusts to your demands until further notice

The pool and garden send their farewellFor the summers of beauty that were under your spellThe grass that you cut and the flowers you grewA paradise of flora that all the birds knew

Even the wooden high maintenance deckThat was a royal pain in the neckSends a grateful wave of respectTo the faithful hands that transformed its wreck

And the dishes too, will never forgetThe splashing soap and water that they metWhen you arrived to see them stackedYou were the bus boy they wanted back

The house knows you are soon leavingAs we are slowly easing its heavy heavingThanks to this home for the tears and laughterAs giant page turns to close this chapter

To it you were loyal, to it you were kindYou became its saviour while accepted the grind

You’ve seen and memorized its years of gloryAnd now it’s ready for another storyAs we shut the door and hand in the keyIts silence and peace will now set you free...

By: Ivana Lemme copyright March 2016

What about you, dear reader? Have you been going through March Madness as well?

Bee free, always xx

​P.S. Here's the last pool hang out we had two years ago for those who wanna reminisce.

Coffee, cookie & the bee!

Author

My name is Ivana. I love photography and meeting people. I hold a Master's in counselling psychology and work as a career consultant. Music is my fuel and an important source of energy in my life. I drive my vespa around the city and I love what I do! :) About this blog: me on my artistic soap box!